"2:30" by Leslie What

In "2:30", Leslie What brings the idea of a toothache and a root canal into the realm of the fantastical.  On the surface, the story reminds me of Dr. Seuss's "Horton Hears a Who" when Clark's dentist announces that a colony of micro-people has taken up residence in Clark's tooth number thirty-one.  His six-year-old son's bad puns add to the youthful feel of the story.

Clark's pain is now not only his problem; it's a matter of human rights–of genocide.  A dilemma ensues: should he have a root canal to stopper the pain from the micro-people's jackhammers, elevators, and airports, or should he allow them to live out their natural life span within the depths of his gums.  Clark is a victim of Narcissistic Personality Disorder or NPD, so the choice seems obvious to him.  But when he returns home to his disgruntled wife and crumbling marriage, he promises to think it over in the week before she files for divorce.

The story takes another turn when the Supreme Ruler of number thirty-one offers relationship advice to his host.  This micro-person becomes Clark's Cyrano, speaking on Clark's behalf, providing love assistance, compensating for his host's NPD and general lack of social skills.

I laughed several times throughout the story.  When Clark's wife Abby makes "Crunchy vegetable salad, crispy fried chicken and an ultra-chewy baguette" for dinner, her true animosity for her husband shines through.  The micro-people try to help, but with questionable motivations.  If you have ever had a toothache, you'll appreciate this light-hearted and quirky tale.